Health and Wellness for Seniors
Caregivers can help seniors maintain health with proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits. Caregivers can play a large role in helping seniors maintain their health with proper nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle habits.
Benefits of exercise in older age
Increases mental capacity Research links physical activity with slower mental decline. Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including our brain.
Prevents disease Exercise is beneficial in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise can also delay or prevent many diseases associated with aging, such as diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, stroke, and more.
Improves healing Injuries can take longer to heal as people age. Regular exercise may speed up the wound-healing process by as much as 25 percent.
Increases balance
Exercise can help improve balance, which can help prevent falls. Falls are a major cause of broken hips and other injuries that often lead to disability and hospitalization in older adults.
Tips to making meals and snacking easier:
1. If the person has a hard time using a knife and fork, serve finger foods. Try bite-sized pieces of sandwich, meat, or cut-up fruit or veggies.
2. Serve one or two foods at a time. Too many choices can be overwhelming.
3. If chewing or swallowing is a problem, mash, puree, or moisten foods with broth, sauce, or milk.
4. Add flavor to meals with spices and herbs.
5. Put out bowls of nuts and fruit to encourage snacking.
6. Serve nutritional supplement drinks or smoothies with protein powder and fruits.
According to the AARP, 40% of people between 45 and 64 are considered sedentary. At age 64 and older, that number jumps to 60%.
HOME CARE TIP: Many seniors will not want to grocery shop alone or cook food for just themselves.Work grocery shopping into part of your time together and prep meals so they can easily prepare a meal for one on their own.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW GOLDEN CARE CAN SUPPORT YOU OR A LOVED ONE CALL (239) 440-2900!